Birth causes a lot of physical and emotional changes and it can take time before you feel ready for sex after you’ve had a baby.
But it’s important to remember that when you can conceive as soon as you do start having sex, so unless you want to become pregnant again, you will need to use some form of contraception.

When you can have sex again

It’s best to wait until any post-birth bleeding has stopped. This usually takes about 10-14 days, but it can go on for as long as six weeks. During this time, the uterus is still healing as is the sensitive tissue of the vagina. Some women have sex within several weeks of their baby's birth, while others want to hold off. There’s no right time – just do things at a gentle pace that feels right for you.

Things to consider

Having a baby does change things when it comes to contraception. If you use a cap, for example, you might need a new size. So it’s worth asking a professional, like a family planning advisor or your health visitor, for advice.

Here’s a quick guide to the popular options, including advice on the safest time to use them and the various pros and cons:

As soon as you're ready:

Male condoms – they’re fiddly and have to be put on just before sex, so a bit of a passion killer. But they’re 98% effective if fitted on properly – the norm is more like 82%.

Female condoms – this soft sheath loosely lines the vagina and covers the area just outside. You can insert it hours before sex and it’s 95% effective if fitted properly (in reality it’s more like 79%).

Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) – if used correctly this can be 98% effective. But you need to be exclusively breastfeeding and know about feeding regularly at specific times. Some women rely on this for the first six months. It works because the hormone that stimulates milk production stops another hormone from triggering ovulation. LAM only works until your periods return – even spotting can mean it isn’t reliable. All these factors can make it a slightly more risky option.*

Any time after birth

Other options that can be started any time after the birth include:

Progestogen-only pill – this oral pill is 99% effective, but again take extra precautions if you vomit or have diarrhoea.

Contraceptive implant – a small flexible rod about 40mm long is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It’s 99% effective and stays in for three years, so sex is hassle free long term.

Contraceptive injection – this injection of progestogen is over 99% effective and lasts for eight or 13 weeks, so you don’t have to think about it every time you have sex. On the downside, it can’t be removed if you don’t like it.

Intrauterine device (IUD) – also known as a 'coil', or intrauterine system (IUS), this can sometimes be fitted within 48 hours of giving birth. If that’s not possible you will need to wait until four weeks after the birth to have it put in.

Around six weeks after birth

Diaphragm or cap – these can be put into the vagina any time before sex, adding spermicide each time. They’re more than 92% effective if used properly, but this can drop to 71% if you don’t get it right. If you’ve used one before, talk to your GP or a family planning clinic – childbirth and changes in your weight may mean you need a different size.

If you are breastfeeding these three options can be used once your baby is six weeks old:

Combined pill – this oestrogen and progestogen pill is 99% effective, but it might not work if you forget to take it on time, or you throw up or have severe diarrhoea.

Vaginal ring – this small, flexible ring sits inside the vagina for three weeks at a time, releasing oestrogen and progestogen. Used properly, it’s about 99% effective.

Contraceptive patch – this sticks to the skin and releases oestrogen and progestogen. It’s over 99% effective and can make periods lighter. The downsides are you can see the patch and it might irritate your skin.

The information on this website is for general information and it is not intended as, nor should it be considered as a substitute for seeing your own GP, midwife or healthcare professional. You are advised to seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns or suspect you have a medical problem.
No endorsement of the products, services or websites advertised on this website is implied or intended by The Royal College of General Practitioners.